Electronic device tether

ABSTRACT

An electronic device tether to be worn on the wrist comprises a flexible, padded and adjustable wrist strap affixed to a strap tether attached to the first part of a two part quick release means. A string loop attached to the second part of a quick release means is provided wherein the string loop may be attached to an electronic device thereby permitting the device to be tethered and also to be detached from the tether conveniently and quickly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/937,540 filed on Nov. 9, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a tether for a handheld electronic device andspecifically for a handheld game controller including especially thehandheld game controller for the Wii electronic gaming systemmanufactured by Nintendo®.

2. Introduction

People of all ages now use a wide variety of handheld electronicdevices. Personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, handheldcomputers, digital cameras and digital camcorders are just some of thehandheld electronic devices presently carried and used by many. Thesedevices are often quite expensive and the risk of damage to them fromdropping is significant. To lessen the possibility of damage or loss,many manufacturers equip such devices with string wrist tethers.

The string wrist tether disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,169 (Force etal.) is typical of the wrist tethers commonly employed. The tether,which is depicted in FIG. 2 of the Force patent, consists of two piecesjoined by a secure quick release means. One piece is a loop of stringwith a first part of a quick release means attached to both ends of theloop. The loop is threaded through a tether hole in the device and thequick release part is inserted through the loop so threaded, then pulledtight to create a secure attachment to the device. The second piececonsists of a loop of string fashioned to slip over the hand and ontothe wrist of the user. Each end of the second string loop is attached toa second part of a quick release means. The two parts of the quickrelease means comprise a standard side release buckle.

While a tether like that disclosed in the Force patent is sometimesadequate for use by adults to prevent inadvertent drops or fumbles of anelectronic device, it is inadequate for use by children or even smalladults. This is because the second loop, that is the part slipped overthe wrist of the user, is often of sufficient size that it easily slipsoff of the hand and wrist of a child or a small adult.

Just as significantly, a tether like that disclosed in the Force patentis also insufficient to protect against drops of electronic devices whenthese devices are carried or used while participating in sports or otheractivities where the user is in vigorous motion. In these situations,the wrist loop often dislocates from off of the wrist. Additionally, therisk of an inadvertent drop or fumble by the user is heightened whilethe user is engaged in these types of activities, both because the useris often pre-occupied with the motion of the activity and less consciousof retaining a grip on the device and because the motion involved mayfacilitate release of the device.

Many common uses of some electronic devices occur in circumstances wherethe inadvertent drop of the device would be catastrophic. For example,individuals taking still photographs or recording video images whileboating or fishing often risk dropping the device in the water. A tetherlike the one in the Force patent provides inadequate security againstsuch a risk.

One device in particular, the remote game controller for the Wii gamingsystem manufactured by Nintendo®, requires a more substantial and moresecure tether than the prior art discloses. In the Wii gaming system,the controller is often used by the participant to simulate the activemotion required for the game being simulated by the video system. Thus,for example, when the controller is being used in a video tennis game,the user moves the controller to simulate the movement of a tennisracket (i.e. the user “swings” the controller like a tennis racket). Andwhen the controller is being used in a golf video game, the user movesthe controller to simulate a golf club (i.e. the user “swings” thecontroller like a golf club). When used in this fashion, whether used byan adult or child, the probability that the user will lose grip on thecontroller is significant. Additionally, since the controller is beingused in game simulation, it is not only likely that the controller willbe dropped or fumbled, but that it may also inadvertently be thrown withsome force. As the Wii game is commonly played inside, loss of grip onthe controller not only creates a risk of damage to the controller, italso creates a risk of damage to video display screens, the game systemand other objects in proximity to the game controller user. Also, manyvideo game users are children and a tether like that disclosed in theForce patent is particularly unsuitable for use by them with the Wiicontroller.

Finally, in some applications, the use of a tether like that disclosedin the prior art to protect against damage to the electronic device isuncomfortable and may cause injury to the user. When the user loses gripon the electronic device the string tether is pulled taut. If the deviceis lost while being impelled with some force, as for example when a userloses a Wii game controller while simulating a swing, the narrow wriststring of the tether is pulled taut against the skin of a user's wristand may cause an abrasion, or in the rare instance, a cut.

3. Objects of the Invention

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a tether whichprevents the risk of damage or loss to an electronic device being usedin a variety of circumstances, including most especially duringactivities where the user is in vigorous motion. It is also an object ofthe invention to provide a tether which conveniently and securelyattaches to users with a wide variety of wrist sizes, includingchildren, small adults and large adults. It is also an object of theinvention to provide a tether which may be used with a Wii remote gamecontroller in order to avoid inadvertent drops, fumbles and throws ofthe controller by the user. It is also an object of the invention toprovide a tether which may be comfortably employed by the user. Theseand other objects are accomplished by the electronic device tetherapparatus disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by anelectronic device tether apparatus comprising two pieces. The firstpiece includes a small string loop in which both ends of the string loopare securely affixed to the first part of a two part quick releasemeans. The string loop may be secured to an electronic device, includinga Wii controller, in the manner disclosed in the prior art.

The second piece of the apparatus, includes two straps. The first strapcomprises an elongated and narrow strap, one end of which is securelyaffixed to the second part of the two part quick release means. Thefirst and second part of the quick release means may comprise, forexample, a standard side release buckle.

The second strap comprises an adjustable wrist strap. One end of thewrist strap is affixed to a loop element. Additionally, the second endof the first strap is attached to the second strap proximate the loopelement.

The second strap has an inner and an outer surface, and a middle layer.The middle layer comprises a resilient material. The inner surfacecomprises a soft fabric material. The outer surface of the second strapcomprises two areas, each of which is one part of a two part cooperatingfastener. The cooperating fastener may be a fastener similar to theproduct sold under the trade name Velcro®. One area is substantiallysmaller than the second and is at the end of the second strap distal tothe loop element. The second area comprises the remainder of the secondstrap outer surface. By threading the end of the second strap throughthe loop element and doubling the strap back upon itself, such that thefirst cooperating fastener area is fastened to the second cooperatingfastener area, the wrist strap may be adjusted to fit snugly to a user'swrist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail with reference to the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3. is a cross-sectional view take along the line a-a′.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of an electronic device tether(1) according to the invention. The tether apparatus comprises twopieces. The first piece includes a small string loop (2). The stringloop is comprised of cord of sufficient tensile strength that the cordwill retain a handheld electronic device either suspended by the tetheras well as when the device may be propelled away from the tether. Thecord is also sufficiently small in diameter to permit the loop to beconveniently threaded through a tether hole in an electronic device.

Both ends of the string loop are securely affixed to the first part (3)of a two part quick release means (3, 4). The quick release meanscomprises a common side release buckle (3, 4). Those skilled in the artwill recognize that other common quick release means including buckles,snaps, and hook and loop type fasteners may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The quick release meansprovides a secure attachment of the two pieces of the tether while theuser is using the electronic device with it.

The second piece of the tether apparatus comprises first and secondstraps. The first strap (5) is an elongated and narrow strap having twoends. One end of the first strap is securely affixed to the second partof a quick release means (4). The first strap is of sufficient lengththat the user may conveniently employ the tethered electronic device. Astrap length of between 6 and 12 inches is sufficient. The first strapis constructed of material of sufficient tensile strength that the strapwill retain a handheld electronic device either suspended by the tetherand also when the device is propelled away from the tether. A nylon webstrap ⅜ inches wide is generally adequate for this purpose.

The second strap comprises an adjustable wrist strap (6). One end of thewrist strap is affixed to a loop element (7). Additionally, the secondend of the first strap is attached to the second strap proximate theloop element (7).

Referring to FIG. 3, the second strap has an inner and outer surface anda middle layer. The inner surface (8) comprises a soft fabric. A wovennylon fabric is suitable for this surface. Because the adjustable wriststrap is worn snugly adjacent the user's skin, it is preferable that thefabric of the inner surface be non-irritating to the skin, as well aspermeable to air and water. The middle layer (9) is comprised of aresilient material of sufficient thickness and resilience that the wriststrap may be worn snugly, but comfortably by the user. A middle layercomprising Neoprene ⅛ inch thick is adequate for this purpose. The outersurface (10) of the second strap comprises two surface areas, each ofwhich is comprised of one part of a two part cooperating fastener.

It is preferable that the inner and outer surface and the middle layerof the second strap cooperate together so that the wrist strap islongitudinally flexible. In this way, users who desire a snug fit mayadjust the strap (as described herein) such that the strap is snugagainst the wrist and the strap is taut, while users who desire a looserfit may adjust the strap to be snug against the wrist, but less taut.

The cooperating fastener may be a fastener similar to the product soldunder the trade name Velcro®. As best shown in FIG. 1, the first surfacearea (11) is substantially smaller than the second surface area (12) andis at the end of the second strap distal to the loop element. The firstsurface area (11) must be of sufficient size to permit the wrist band topermit the first and second surface areas to fasten securely. A firstsurface area that terminates about one inch from the end of the strap issufficient. Where the cooperating fastener is of the hook and loopvariety (i.e. a Velcro® type fastener), it is preferable that the firstsurface area comprise the hook part of the cooperating fastener. Thesecond surface area (12) comprises a substantial portion of the outersurface and the second part of the two part cooperating fastener.

The user applies the tether by wrapping the adjustable wrist straparound the wrist such that the inner surface is adjacent to the skin.The end of the strap is threaded through the loop element (6) and thendoubled back such that the first surface area (11) of the outer surface(10) may be fastened to the second surface area (12).

It will be recognized that the quick release means provides a convenientmeans for disconnecting the tethered electronic device in order that itbe temporarily stored in a pocket or purse or in order that it be usedby another user. For example, where two or more persons are playing avideo game using a common remote game controller in sequence, each usermay wear the second piece of the two piece tether while a single firstpiece remains attached to the controller. When a user finishes using thecontroller, the tether may be disconnected at the quick release meansand passed to next user who reconnects it to the second piece beingworn. In such a fashion, game playing can continue without excessiveinterruptions to remove and reapply the electronic device tether.

The invention has been described in regard to its preferred embodiment.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may bevaried in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. All such modifications are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

1. An electronic device tether worn on the wrist comprising: a stringloop having at least a first end and a second end; a quick releasehaving a first and second part releasably coupled to one another, bothends of said string loop being affixed to said first part of said quickrelease; a first strap having a first and second end, said first end ofsaid first strap being affixed to said second part of said quickrelease; a second longitudinally flexible strap having a first end, asecond end, a fabric inner surface, a resilient middle layer, and anouter surface, said first end of said second strap being affixed to aloop element, said second end of said first strap being affixed to saidsecond strap proximate to said loop element, said outer surfacecomprising a first and second surface area, said first surface areacomprising a hook type cooperating fastener part and said second areacomprising a loop type cooperating fastener part, wherein said secondstrap may be worn on the wrist by wrapping said second strap around thewrist, threading said second end of said second strap through said loopelement and fastening said a hook type cooperating fastener part to saidloop type cooperating fastener part.
 2. The electronic device tether ofclaim 1 wherein the tether strap is constructed of a nylon web strap ⅜inches wide is generally adequate for this purpose.
 3. The electronicdevice tether of claim 1 wherein said first strap is between eight andtwelve inches long.
 4. The electronic device tether of claim 1 furthercomprising in combination therewith an electronic device having a tetherhole, said string loop being threaded through said tether hole in saiddevice and said first part of said quick release being inserted throughsaid loop so threaded, then pulled tight to create a secure attachmentto said electronic device.
 5. The electronic device tether of claim 4wherein said electronic device is selected from the group consistingessentially of a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, ahandheld computer, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, and a remotegame controller.
 6. The electronic device tether of claim 5 wherein saidremote game controller is a remote game controller for a video gameconsole.
 7. The electronic device tether of claim 1 wherein said quickrelease means is selected from the group consisting essentially of abuckle, a snap, and a hook and loop type fastener.
 8. The electronicdevice tether of claim 7 wherein said buckle is a side release buckle.9. An electronic device tether comprising: a string loop comprised ofcord sized to permit said loop to be threaded through a tether hole inan electronic device, an elongated tether strap having first and secondends, an elongated adjustable wrist strap having first and second ends,an inner surface, an outer surface, and a middle layer therebetween,said inner surface being woven nylon fabric, said outer surface having afirst surface area and a second surface area, said middle layer being aresilient material, a quick release having a first part and a secondpart, said first part being securely affixed to said string loop, saidsecond part being securely affixed to said first end of said tetherstrap, said quick release comprising a common side release buckle forreleasable connecting said string loop to said tether strap, and a hookand loop type fastener comprising a hook type fastener affixed to saidfirst surface at said first end of said wrist strap and a loop typefastener affixed to said second surface area, a D-shaped loop elementaffixed to said first end of said wrist strap, said second end of saidtether strap being attached to said wrist strap proximate said D-shapedloop element, wherein said wrist strap is configured to wrap around thewrist of a user such that said inner surface is adjacent to the user'sskin, said first end of said strap being threaded through said D-shapedelement and then doubled back such that said hook type fastener may befastened to said loop type fastener.
 10. The electronic device tether ofclaim 9 wherein the tether strap is constructed of a nylon web strap ⅜inches wide is generally adequate for this purpose.
 11. The electronicdevice tether of claim 9 wherein said tether strap is between eight andtwelve inches long.
 12. The electronic device tether of claim 9 furthercomprising in combination therewith an electronic device having a tetherhole, said string loop being threaded through said tether hole in saiddevice and said first part of said quick release being inserted throughsaid loop so threaded, then pulled tight to create a secure attachmentto said electronic device.
 13. The electronic device tether of claim 12wherein said electronic device is selected from the group consistingessentially of a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, ahandheld computer, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, and a remotegame controller.
 14. The electronic device tether of claim 13 whereinsaid remote game controller is a remote game controller for a video gameconsole.
 15. An electronic device tether worn on the wrist comprising: astring loop having at least a first end and a second end; a quickrelease means, having a first and second part releasably coupled to oneanother, both ends of said string loop being affixed to said first partof said quick release means; a first strap having a first and secondend, said first end of said first strap being affixed to said secondpart of said quick release means, said first strap being between six andtwelve inches long; a second strap having a first and second end andhaving an inner surface, an outer surface, and a middle layer, saidfirst end of said second strap affixed to a loop element, said secondend of said first strap being affixed to said second strap proximate tosaid loop element, said outer surface comprising a first and secondsurface area, said first surface area comprising the hook part of a hookand loop type cooperating fastener and said second area comprising theloop type of a hook and loop type cooperating fastener, said innersurface comprising a fabric material; said middle layer comprising aresilient material; said inner surface, outer surface and middle layercooperating such that said second strap is longitudinally flexible;wherein said second strap may be worn on the wrist by wrapping saidsecond strap around the wrist, threading said second end of said secondstrap through said loop element and fastening said hook part of saidhook and loop type cooperating fastener to said loop part of saidcooperating fastener.